Salvation Army requests help to replenish thinning supplies

Hurricane Sandy has stressed the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army Food Bank to its limit feeding hundreds of Monroe County residents who took shelter from the storm and have been left without power.

Hurricane Sandy has stressed the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army Food Bank to its limit feeding hundreds of Monroe County residents who took shelter from the storm and have been left without power.

The East Stroudsburg Salvation Army Food Bank was already facing a shortfall in its holiday feeding program of more than $20,000 and, with the addition of the demand created by Hurricane Sandy, is asking neighbors and friends to donate both cash and food items to reverse the trend.

Gingrich said, "We are especially looking for canned goods such as fruits and vegetables, dry goods such as pasta and cereals, and jarred items including spaghetti sauce."

Donations can be made any day at the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army on Washington Street in East Stroudsburg from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

"This extra strain could not have come at a worse time for our corps as we are just now gearing up to help provide holiday dinners for Monroe County residents," Maj. James Gingrich said, and added that the efforts to feed those without power from the hurricane continued through this week.

"Last holiday season we provided 1,086 families with grocery orders, which fed over 4,700 Monroe County residents. The request for assistance has continued to skyrocket, with over 200 additional families applying for the program this year."

Gingrich remained unbowed in the Salvation Army's commitment.

"The Salvation Army has always served the neediest, and we will continue to respond to cries for help from those who need it most whether in the form of hurricane assistance or monthly food pantry visits," he said. "We depend on the support of the community to do our work and need community members to donate food or make a monetary gift so we can help those who are in great need."

For information about the Salvation Army's programs and to volunteer, call Gingrich at 570-421-3050.

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